Nanostructure-based broadband absorbers are prominently attractive in various research fields such as nanomaterials, nanofabrication, nanophotonics and energy utilization. A highly efficient light absorption in wider wavelength ranges makes such absorbers useful in many solar energy harvesting applications. In this review, we present recent advances of broadband absorbers which absorb light by nanostructures. We start from the mechanism and design strategies of broadband absorbers based on different materials such as carbon-based, plasmonic or dielectric materials and then reviewed recent progress of solar energy thermal utilization dependent on the superior photo-heat conversion capacity of broadband absorbers which may significantly influence the future development of solar energy utilization, seawater purification and photoelectronic device design.

基于纳米结构的宽带吸收器在诸如纳米材料，纳米制造，纳米光子学和能源利用等各种研究领域中具有显着的吸引力。宽波长范围内的高效光吸收使得此类吸收器可用于许多太阳能收集应用中。在这篇综述中，我们介绍了宽带吸收器的最新进展，该吸收器通过纳米结构吸收光。我们从基于不同材料（例如碳基，等离激元或介电材料）的宽带吸收器的机理和设计策略入手，然后回顾了宽带吸收器具有优异的光热转换能力的太阳能热利用的最新进展。影响太阳能利用的未来发展，